Step-by-step lead pencil



fh VEA/far y ofm/ Mi Jan. 29, 1929.

A. WOELM STEP-BY-STEP LEAD PENCIL Filed June 1, 1925 Patented Jan. 29, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT oEFicE.

ALFRED. WOELH, 0E BERLIN, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR, IBYMESNE ASSIGNMENTS, T0 PEN'CILHECHANISM CORPORATION, A CORPORATION 0F NEW YORK.

STEL-BY-STEP LEAD PENCIL.

Application led June 1, 1928,Seria1 No. 642,858, and in Germany March 14,1923.`

This invention relates to n 'iechanical pencils of the type wherein the lead is advanced by a stcp-by-step movement, and in certain of its more specific aspects relates to maga-` zine lead pencils. c

An object of the invention is. to provide an improved mechanism for step-by-st'ep pencils whereby a lead may be advanced wlth ease and certainty.

Another object is to provide a step-by-st'ep pencil which may be operated and used with relatively small danger of breaking a lead therein.

Another object is to provide a pencil which is simple and sturdy of construction and which may be readily and economicallymanufactured and assembled.

-Another object is to provide im roved mechanism for step-by-'step pencils w ich is adapted to be operated in response to the movement of one casing member toward another casing member.

Other objects of the invention will in part b; obvious and will in lpart appear hereina ter.

The present application isdirected to certain improvements over the inventions de-4 scribed and claimed in the copending application of Alfred Woelm, Ser. No. 588,688,

filed September 16, 1922, the copcnding apof Alfred VVoelm, Ser. No. 180,000',

plication filed March 31, 1927, constituting a division of said Woelm application, Ser. No. 588,688, and the eopending application of Edward D.

' Feldman, Ser. No. 596,309, filed October 23,

1922. The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified inthe article herein described and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should bc had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in wl1ich:'-.

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a magazine pencil constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2a sectional elevation of the upper i or inner tube with the lead propelling device in advanced position,

, portion of Fig.

-a different position,

Figs. 4-6 show ldetails of the construction, A i

Fig. 7 is a detail of a 'modified form of double arm Agripper leven-and Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the lower 1. In the exemplified embodiment ,of the invention, there is provided a casing comprising a lower section 2 and a longitudinally movable upper section 3. AIn orderto rovide a tip for the pencil .the section 2 is ormed, in the present instance, with a tapered lower end, and, in order to permit leads to be retained in and fed from the upper end of the pencil, the upper section `3 is formed to provide the side walls of a lead magazine. The lower end of thev latter sectionis slightly reduced in diameter so. as to iitlclosely, but slidably, within the section 2. A cap 4 covers the upper end of thev section?) and extends downwards and over the upper end of `tli'e section 2. An eraser 6' man eraser socket 7 its upper end to .facilitate vthe entrance of the leads and a restricted bore at the lower end to centralize the leads as they pass through. The mouth is preferably further restricted and slitted so aste form fin ers which will be forced outward when the ead is propelled through the mouth. A pair of diametrically opposed longitudinal slots are formed through the wall of the tube 10 through which the gripping jaws 24 pass and grip and feed the leads.

The tube 10 has fastened to its to a disk 17 against the under side of which a uts the upper end of the spiral spring 50. This disk forms the bottom of the leadvmagazine, the

side walls of which are .provided by the upper '105 i casing section 3.

l l l I..

' against the. resistance of The lower end of the tube 10 screws into an anchor member 14 fixed in the tapering end of the section 2.

Mounted upon the central tube 10 and capable of a limited longitudinal motion thereon is a Sleeve 20 provided with diametrically opposed longitudinal slotsflanked by projecting ears 22, 22 and between these are pivoted at 23, the double armed levers 24, the lower arms of which are the jaws which e11- gage, grip and propel the leads.

Mounted upon the tube 10 and capa-ble of a limited longitudinal motion thereon is a collar 26 aga-inst the upper side of which the lower en of the spring 50 abuts and tends to force the collar downward. The downward motion of the collar 26 is limited by tongues 46 cut out of the casing section 3 and bent inwards. The collar 26 is formed or provided with a cone 27, which will at times be forced between the upper arms of the double armed levers 24 and tend to separate them, while the lower ends of said levers will be made to approach until they grip the lead between them. The portions of the jaws which grip the lead are preferably provided with longit-udinal notches 51, substantially as illustrated in Fig. 6.

The sleeve 20 carries near its lower end a loose disk 44`againstthe underside of which abuts the upper end of a' helical spring 45 the lower end of which rests upon the 'stationary .cone 14. The upper surface of the disk 44 is preferably recessed. By the action of the spring 45 the sleeve 20 through the agency of the disk 44 and the grippers 24 is forced upward upon Jthe central tube 10 so that the ears 22 of the sleeve .2O are forced against the lower end of the inner section 3 of the casing. In the position shown in Fig. 1 the upper armsof the grippers 24 are in engagement with the cone 27 ofthe slidable collar 26 controlled by the spring 50, so that in this position the lower arms 24 are forced into engagement with the lead'by the cone 27 through the' agency of the upper arms of the grippers and hold the lead in thewriting position.

The manner in 'which the exemplified pencil operates'is as follows :-The portion 2 is firmly held, and bymeans of thecap 4 the upper section 3 of the holder is pressed downward' from the position shown in Fig. -1. Thereby the sleeve 2O withv the grippers 24 and the disk 44 are also forced downward, the spring 45, through the agency of the ears 22 which are in.

contact, with the lower end ofthe section 3.

The lead is thus propelled by the grippers. The cone 27 at first takes part in this motion, until it strikes the shoulder 48 of the central tube 10, which takes place just before the grippers reach their lower position. In the lower position the bevelled inner surfaces 24 of the claws come in contact with the lower edge of the slots of the central tube 10 and are thereby swung outward, so that they release the lead. If then the section 3 or cap 4 is released, the sleeve 2() is returned into the position shown in Fig. 1 by the compressed spring 45 through the agency of the open grippers 24 and the cone 27, in which position the upper arms of the grippers 24 are again forced outward by the cone 27 and the lower arms with the gripper jaws inward and into engagement with the lead which they secure in the writing position.

In order to facilitate the forcing apart of the upper gripper' arms on the return to the upper position, these arms may at the inside be provided with cams 47, which strike against the upper edge of the slot in the central tube 10 and thereby separate the up-` per arms.

This construction has the advantage that owing to the spring 50 the holding device of the lead is as a unit resiliently secured within the pencil, so that this device as a whole can be forced inwards against the pressure of the spring 50,' as shown in Fig. 3, without the lead being released by the grippers 24. In this manner a resilient arrangement of the lead is obtained which prevents breakage of the lead to the greatest possible extent.

Since certain changes may be made in the above article and different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to beunderstood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific'features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might be said to fall therebetween.

What I claim is 1. In a magazine lead pencil; an Outer casing; an inner casing slidable within and projecting somewhat above the outer casing, and having lead feeding means associated with its lower end; the lower part of the outer casing having a slotted guide tube mounted therein the upper end of which extends into the inner casing and is there expanded to form the bottom of a lead magazine; a sleeve with double armed levers pivoted therein slidable on said 'guide tube; a disc slidable upon said sleeve below said levers; a springv forcing said disc against the lower end of said levers; a cone shaped collar slidabl7 mounted on said guide tube within. said inner casing and adapted at times to separate the upper armsof said levers ;'f and a spring compressed between said collar and the enlarged end of said guide tube.

2. In a magazine lead pencil; an outer casing; an inner casing movable longitudinally of the outer casing; the .lower part of the outer casing having a slotted lead guide tube mounted therein; feeding mechanism comprising gripper levers pivoted in a sleeve slidab e on said guide tube and adapted to grip .a lead strip therein; said mechanism adapted to be forced downward by a downward movement of said inner casing; gripper actuating means mounted resiliently in said innercasing; anda spring applying pressure against the lower en d of sai' gripper levers to force said mechanism upwards and braking force to retard swinging movement of said gripper levers.

3. In a magazine lead pencil; an outer casing; an inner casing movable longitudinally of the outer casing; the lower art of the outer casin having a slotted lea guide tube mounted t erein; feeding mechanism comprising gripper levers pivoted in a sleeve slidable on said guide tube and adapted to grip a lead strip therein, said mechanism adapted to be forced downward by a downward movement of said inner casing; a cone lshaped collar mounted on said guide tube and adapted to close said grippers; means for forcing said grippers open prior to their reaching their limit of downward travel, andv closed prior to reaching the limit of their upward travel; and a springapplying force against the lower end of said 'gripper levers.

4.' In a magazine lead pencil; an outer casing; an inner casing movable longitudinally of the outer casing; the lower part of the outer casing having a slottedlead guide tube mounted therein; feeding mechanism comprising gripper levers pivoted in`- a sleeve slidable on said guide tube and adapted to grip a lead therein, said mechanism adapted to be forced downward by like movement of saidl inner casing; gripper `actuating' means mounted in said inner casing; a spring applying pressure against the lower end of said gripper levers wards and braking force to retard swinging movement of said gripper levers; and abutments in the path of said gripper levers adapted to force them open prior to their reachingtheflimit of-their downward travel.

5. In a magazine lead pencil; an outer casing; an inner casing ymovable longitudinally of the outer casing; a slotted guide tube with an enlarged upper end'l mounted in the lower part of said outer casing; double armed gripper leversv pivoted in a sleeve slidable on said guide tube-and adapted to contact with the lower end of said inner casing; means for applying resilient pressure against the lower ends of said levers; and means mounte'd 'in said inner casing foi` normally maintain'- ing said grippers in closed position.

6. In a feeding mechanism for a magazine lead pencil: a guide tube with a longitudinal slot therein; a, double armed lever pivoted in a sleeve slidable on said guide tube; a cam face on the lower arm of said lever adapted to force said mechanism uptudinal' slot therein; a double armed lever pivoted in a sleeve slidablc on said Guide tube; a cam face formed on each arm of said levei and adapted to contact with the end of said slot and force the arm outward and away y from the'tube.

f8. A feeding mechanism for a magazine lead pencil, comprising a slotted guide tube stationary in the lower part of the pencil casing; gripping and feeding mechanism re- `ciprocable on said guide tube the gripping parts .thereof adapted to work through the slots in said guide tube; a spring supporting said gripping and feeding mechanism; and a second spring adapted to resist upward movement of said mechanism. Y

9. In a magazine lead pencil having a two part casing one telescoping within the other: a reciprocable spring controlled gripping and feeding device normally gripping a lead and adapted to be actuated so as to force the lead downward by the displacement of a part of said casing in opposition to the controlling spring; and means whereby excess pressure applied against the lower end of the lead will cause said lead, and said gri-pping and feeding device, to move upward within said casing to a point where no further pressure can normally be applied thereto and to be returned to normal position when said excess pressure is removed.

10. In a magazine lead pencil, the combination of: a two part tubular casing one telescoping in the other; a reciprocable spring controlled gripping device norma gripping a lead in transit from the magazine to the discharge opening of the pencil and adaptedto be moved downward in opposition to its controlling spring by the longitudinal displacement of a part of said casing and to be returned to normal under the urge of said spring, the cycle of movement of said device first feeding lthe lead downward, then releasing its grip thereon and re-gripping saine at a higher point; and means whereby the lead is permitted to retreat within the casing,l without being released by the grip# ping device, when excess pressure is applic against normal when such excess pressure is removed.

' 11. In a magazine lead pencil, an outer lly the point thereof, and is returned toaol casing, an inner casing slidable within and projecting somewhat above the outer casing, a pair of pivoted jaws adapted to be relciproeated longitudinally in response to lonmovement of. said inner casing,

gitudinal spring actuated means normally holding said jaws in engagement with a lead injtlib pencil, and means to move said jaws out-'of gripping position .when said inner casing and said jaws are in an advanced position, the aforesaid elements being so associated las to maintain .said jaws out of gripping position during at least a portion of the reti-active movement of sa id jaws.

12. In a step by step pencil, the combination ot' a longitudinally movable member, a lead guiding tube formed with a pluralit of longitudinal slots therein, a plurality of jaws normally extending into said slots to grip a lead in said tube, said jaws being longitudinally reeiproeable. in response to the operation of said longitudinally movable member, the outer surfaces of said jaws being formed with cam portions cooperating with the lower and upper ends ot' said slots respeetivelyto move said jaws out of engagement with the lead toward the end of their downward movement and to move said jaws into engagement with the lead toward the end of their upward movement.

13. In a step by step pencil, the combination of a longitudinally movable member, a plurality of jaws adapted normally to grip a lead therebetween and to hold the same in writing position, said jaws being movable downwardly in response to downward movement ot' thel longitudinally movable member and movable upwardly in response to upwardmovement of the longitudinally movable member, cam means to spread said jaws towards the end ot' their downward movement and means to return said jaws to gripping position toward the end of their upward movei ment.

14. In a step by step pencil, the combination-of a longitudinally movable member, a plurality ot' aws adapted normally to grip a `lead therebetween and to hold the same in writing position, said jaws being reciproeable longitudinally in response to longitudinal movement of said longitudinally movable member, cam means to spread said jaws toward the end of their downward movement, and means to return said jaws to gripping position toward the end of their upward movement.

15. In a step-by-steppencil, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally movable lead gripping jaws arranged to normally hold ahlead in and to permit an upward movement of the lead in response to excess pressureapplied to the lower end thereof, means for movlng said jaws downwardly from their normal lead holding position to advance the lead, means to retract said jaws to normal position, and jaw spreading means operative to prevent-the retraction of the lead by said jaws during at least a part of the jaw retracti'ng operation of the last mentioned means. f

16. In a magazine lead pencil, the combina'- tion of a plurality of longitudinally movable lead gripping jaws arranged normally to'hold r a lead in writing position, spring actuated writing position therebetweenmeans tending to maintain said jaws in lead gripping position, said mean-s being arranged Y to permit upward movement of said jaws in response to pressure on the lower end of a lead gripped thereby and to lower said jaws to normal position when said pressure is removed, jaw advancing and jaw retracting means to move said jaws downwardly from their normal position` to advance the lead and to return saidjaws to normal position, and means to render said spring actuated means inoperative during at'least a portion of the upward movement of the jaws to normal position. Y

17. In a pencil mechanism, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally-movable lead-gripping jaws, and means including a longitudinally-movable member to move the jaws and the lead downwardly as a unit during the major part ot' the downward movement of the longitudinally-movable member, to cause the jaws to release the lead during the latter part of the downward movement of said longitudinally-movable member, to move the jaws upwardly while out of gripping engagement with the lead during the major portion ot' the upward movement of said longitudinally-movable member, and to move said jaws into engagement with the lead at a higher point thereon during the latter part of the upward movementof said longitudinallymovable member. l

18. In a step-by-step pencil, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally-movable lead gripping jaws, means normally to hold said jaws in an upward position and in lirmv gripping engagement with a lead in the pencil, means to move said jaws downwardly, means to thrust said jawsout of gripping engagement with the lead toward the end of their downwardV movement, and means to move said jaws upwardly while out of gripping engagement with the lead and to cause said jaws to re-engage the lead at a higher point.

19. In a pencil mechanism, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally-movable rockingly-mounted lead-gripping jaws, and operating mechanism comprising means normally to hold said jaws in an upward4 positionand in firm gripping engagement with a lead in the pencil, means to move the jaws and the lead downwardly as a unit, meansoperative towards the end of the downward movement of the jaws to move the same ont of grippinor engagement with the lead. means to return the jaws to their normal upward position, and means to cause the jaws to re-engage the lead toward the end of /their upward movement.

20. In a step-by-step pencil, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally-movablel grippers provided with longitudinally extended lead-gripping surfaces, and-operating mechanism comprislng means normally to l' hold said grippers in gripping engagement with a lead in the pencil, to move the grippers and the lead downwardl together, .to cause the lead to be released by the grippers, to move the grippers upwardly while out'of engagement wtih the lead, and to cause the grippers to re-engage the lead ata higher point.

21. In a step-by-step pencil, the combination of a. plurality of jaws each provided with a longitudinally extended lead-gripping surface, means normallyto hold said jaws in an upward position and in firm gripping engagement with a lead in the pencil, means to move the jaws and the lead downwardly as a unit, means thereafter to move the jaws out of gripping engagement with the lead, andy means to return the jaws to their upward normal position and to cause the jaws to; re-engage the lead at a higher-point.

22. In a step-by-step pencil, the-combinat1 on of .a longitudinally-movable lead-gripplng unit, and operating mechanism comprislng means normally to 4holdsaid grippinor unit 1n firm gripping engagement with a lea 1n the pencil, means to move the gripping u mt and the lead downwardly together, positive means to move the gripping unit out of engagement with the lead, and means to move the grlpping unit upwardly while out'of engagement with the lead andtocause the grippingtumt to re-engage the lead at a higher pom L l 23. In a step-by-step pencil, the' combination of a plurality of longitudinally-,movable lead-grlppers, -operating means to move said grippers longitudinally, means to thrust the rlppers out of gripping engagement with a ead in the pencil when the grippers are in a downward position, gripers into gripping engagement with a lea 1n an upward position.

24. In a step-by-step pencil, the-combination of a plurality of longitudinally-movable lead gri pers adapted to e rockingly mounted and ormed at one end with lead-gripping jaws and at the other with outwardly movable arms, a member adapted to extend between said arms and to'bear against the inner surfaces of the same, and operating means including said member for causing said jaws to engage and feed forward a lead in the pencil, to release their grip thereon, to move upwardly while out of engagement with the lead, and to rerip the lead at a higher point.

25. In a stepy-step pencil mechanism, the combination of a plurality of reciprocable lead pro lling grippers provided with jaws arrange for the reception of lead therebetween, means to reciprocate said. grippers, and means to impart to said grippersa jawseparatingy movement of definite extent at predetermined periods in the operation of the mechanism.

26. In a step-by-step magazine lead pencil,

and means to thrust the the pencil when the grippers lare 1n plate upwardly,

the combination with a casing having a tip at its lower end, means to provide a magazine for containing a-plurality of leads in the upper end of said casing, and means to permit leads to be moved successively from said magazine to sai-d tip, of longitudinally-movable lead-gripping and feeding means, operating means movable in one direction to move the lead-feeding means downwardly and in the opposite direction to move the same upwardly, means to move the lead-feeding means into ripping engagement with a lead in the pencllI toward the end of the upward movement of the lea-d feeding means,

and means to movethe lead-feeding means out of such gripping en agement before the beginning of the upwar movement thereof. 27. In a step-by-step magazine lead pencil, the combination with at its lower end, means to provide a magazine for containing a plurality of leads in the upper end of said casing, leads to be moved successively from said `magazine to said tip, of a plurality .of longitudinally-movable lead-gripping jaws, an cxteriorly accessible actuating member, and operating means acting normally to hold said grippers in a retracted position and in gripping engagement with a lead in the-pencil and acting in response to the operation of said actuating member first to advance the jaws and the lead as a unit, then to release the jaws, then tomove the jaws upwardly, and thereafter to thrust the jaws into gripping engagement with the lead at a higher point4 28. In a step-b-y-step pencil, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally movable lead grippers adapted alternately to grip and release a lead in the pencil and to propel the same step-by-step, means to reciprocate and means to permit al casing having a tip ioo' said grippers, andstationa-ry means 1n the u path of said grippers'to cause the grippers to grip a lead when moved against the stationary means.

29. In a step-by-step pencil, the combina.- tion of a casing member, a member movable longitudinally with respect plurality of grippers adapted to be reciprocated in response to movement of the longitudinally movable member, and stationary means connected with said casing to move said grippers into and out of engagement to said casing a with a lead toward the end of their upward and downward movements respectively.

30. In a step-by-step pencil, the combina-y tionof a casing member-,a member movable longitudinally with respect to said casing member, a plurality of longitudinally movable lead grippers adapted to be moved downwardly within said casing in response-'t0 the downward movement of said longitudinally movable member, pers, resilient means ed to .move said grippers into and out of ena plate beneath said gripe l tending to press 'said j' and stationary means adaptlas . rst to move downwardly while'in en ment with'a lead,

l independently of said gagement with a lead toward the end of their upward and downward movements respectively.

31. In a step-by-step pencil, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally movable lead grippers, means to reciprocate said grippers, means to impart to said grippers leadgripping and lead-releasing actions at different periods in the cycle of movement thereof, and a plate spring-pressed against said grippers and resisting lead-gripping and lead-releasing action thereof.

32. In a step-by-step pencil, the combination of a plurality of longitudinaly movable lead grippers, means to reciprocate said grippers, means to cause said grippers to grip a lead in the pencil when the grippers are in an upward position, means to cause said grippers to release their hold on the lead when the grippers are in a downward position, a memer tending to retain said grippers in a leadgripping position until the operation of said last-mentioned means and to retain said grippers in a lead-releasing position until the operation of said grip-causing means.

33. In a step-by-steppencil, the combination of a casing, a lead-gripping and -eeding unit reciprocable within said casing and comprising a plurality of lead-gripping jaws, and a spring-pressed member formed with an 1nclined surface in the path of movement of said gripping unit for causing a lead-gripping action by said jaws, and means includmg said spring-pressed member to cause said jaws iilso propel a lead step-by-step through the enc P 34. In a step-by-step pencil, the combination of a longitudinally movab longitudinally' movable lead-gripping and -feeding unit comprising a plurality of leadgripping jaws, means to mount said 'lead-gripping and -feeding unit independently of said longitudinally movable member, and means res onsive to the movement of said longitudinal y movable member first to move said jaws and a lead gripped thereby downwardly as a unit, then to cause said jaws to release their grip on the lead, to move upwardly and to regrip the lead at a higher point.

35. In a step-by-step pencil, the combination of an exteriorly accessible longitudinally movable member, longitudinally movable lead-gripping means comprising a plurality of jaws, means to mount said gripping means exteriorly accessible member, means to maintain said gripping means normally in firm gripping engagement with a lead in the pencil, and means responsive to the movement of said exteriorly accessible member to cause saidgripping means agethen to release the grip on the lead, and then regrip the lead at a higher point.

.36. In a step-by-step pencil, the combinale member, a

to move upwardly and to tion of a casing member, a pencil cap arranged for movement in a direction toward said casing member, a plurality lof longitudinally movable lead-gripping jaws, means to mount said jaws independently of said pencil cap, means normaly to retain said jaws in firm gripping engagement with a lead, and means responsive to the movement of said cap in said direction to cause said jaws to move downwardly, to release their grip on the lead, 7; and thereafter to move upwardly and regrip the lead at `a higher point.

37. In a step-by-step lead pencil, the combination of a longitudinally-movable member, a plurality of longitudinally-movable pivotally-mounted lead-gripping jaws, means tending to hold said jaws irmly in gripping engagement with a lead in the pencil, means responsive to the downward movement of said longitudinally-movable member to cause said jaws to carry the lead downwardly therebetween, to release their grip on the lead, to move upwardly, and to regrip the lead at a higher point.

38. In a. step-by-step lead pencil, the combination of a longitudinally-movable member, a plurality of longitudinally-movable lead-gripping jaws arranged to be reciprocated in response to the longitudinal movement of said longitudinally-movable member, and means with which said jaws are adapted to contact at a predetermined oint in the movement of said jaws in each ongitudinal direction for swinging said jaws into and out of engagement with a lead, whereby said v jaws will propel a lead step-by-step throughA the pencil.

39. In a step-by-step lead pencil, the combination of a longitudinally-movable member, a plurality of longitudinally-movable 101i lead-gripping jaws arranged to be reciprocated in response to the longitudinal movement of said longitudinally-movable member, and means with which said jaws are adapted to contact toward the end ofthe downward movement of said jaws for swin ing said jaws out of engagement with. a `Iead, and means for swinging said 'aws into engagement with a leadat a higher point thereon, whereby said jaws will propel a lead step-by- 115 step through the pencil.

40. In a step-by-step lead pencil, the combination of alongitudin'ally-movable member, a plurality of longitudinally-movable lead-gripping jaws arranged to be reciprocated in response to the longitudinal movement of said longitudinally-movable member, and means with which said jaws are adapted to contact toward the end of their upward and downward movements, respectively, for swinging said jaws into and out of engagement with a lead, whereby said jaws will propel a lead step-by-step through the enci p 41. In a step-by-step pencil, the combina- 139 in said casing member, and means responsive to movement of said pencil cap in said direction'to reciprocate said jaws and to impart lead-gripping and lead-releasing action thereto at relatively upper and lower jaw positions, whereby the lead will be'propclled step-b v-step through the pencil.

42. In a ste'p-by-step magazine lead pencil, the combination ot' a casing` member, a longitudinally movable tubular member, means including said tubular member to provide a -lead magazine in the upper part of the pencil, a plurality of longitudinally movable jaws adapted when in an upward position to grip a lead therebetween, a Agripper-operating member movable with said tubular member to impart downward movement to the jaws, and means including,v said gripper-operating member and responsive to a downward movement of said tubular member to cause said jaws to carry a'lead downwardly therebetween, to release their hold on the lead, to move upwardly, and to regripthe lead at a higher point.

43. In a step-by-step lead pencil, the combination of a longitudinally-movable member, a plurality of longitudinally-movable lead-gripping jaws arranged to be reciprocated in response to the longitudinal movement of said longitudinali if-movable member, means to maintain said jaws in engagement with a lead during the major part of their downward movement, and means with which said jaws are adapted to contact at a predetermined point in the movement of said jaws in each longitudinal direction for swinging said jaws into and out of engagement with a lead, whereby said jaws will propel a lead step-by-step through the encil.

In testimony whereof aix my signature.

ALFRED wonLM.

dated January 29, 1929. Pencel Mechanism Corporation.

Hereby enters this disclaimer,

' 1,700,246.Alfred Woelm, Berlin, Germany. STEP-BY-STEP LEAD PENCIL. Patent Disclaimer filed January 20,1933, by the assignee,

and disclaims from the scope of claim`25 of said Letters Patent any com bination not including means disposed in 'thel path of movement of the grlppers to impart to said grippers a jaw-separating movement of definite vaiment at pre-determmed perlods m the operation of the mechanism'.

, [Oficial Gazette February 7, 1933.]

DISCLAIMER 1,700,246.-Al red Woelm, Berlin,

date January 29,1929. Penmac Gorporat'ion.

Germany. STEP-BY-S'rnr LEAD PENCIL. Patent Disclaimer filed October 12, 1939, by the assignee,

Hereb enters this disclaimer to claim- 33 in said specification.

[ Gazette November 14, 1939.] 

